Vertical Rotor Drying Installation for Pasty Material

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drying installations for pasty products, such as sewage sludge, face issues with mechanical reliability, frequent maintenance needs, and high energy consumption, while also requiring effective sealing to maintain energy efficiency and prevent odor and health hazards.

Innovation Solution

A thermal installation with a sealed chamber using mechanical vapor compression (MVC) and a unique steam circuit design that includes a compressor to efficiently reuse vapor heat, combined with a flexible vertical pipe for material handling and vibration to ensure tightness and efficient drying, along with a pressurized introduction and extraction system to prevent gas leaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If indirect contact drying with horizontal rotors and heating discs is used, then drying efficiency is improved, but mechanical reliability decreases and maintenance frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the conventional horizontal rotor configuration by implementing a vertical rotor design. The rotor rotates vertically within the drying chamber, with drying elements arranged along the vertical axis, fundamentally changing the mechanical configuration to improve reliability while maintaining drying efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces adjustable and adaptable mechanical components, including variable speed control for the vertical rotor and adjustable drying element positions. This dynamic capability allows optimization of drying performance while reducing mechanical stress and wear, thereby improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If indirect contact drying with horizontal rotors and heating discs is used, then drying efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements continuous drying operation with the vertical rotor maintaining constant rotation, ensuring uninterrupted heat transfer and material processing. This eliminates idle cycles and optimizes energy utilization, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high drying efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to vapor during drying, optimizing heat transfer efficiency. The vertical rotor design enhances evaporation surface area and promotes efficient moisture removal through phase change, improving drying performance while reducing energy requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a sealed chamber is used to prevent odor and health hazards, then safety is improved, but mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor controlVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a sealed drying chamber that prevents odor and harmful gas escape, protecting the environment and operator health. The vertical rotor design with integrated sealing elements achieves this protection while minimizing mechanical complexity compared to horizontal configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances energy efficiency, improves mechanical reliability, simplifies maintenance, and ensures complete sealing and odor control, resulting in a more efficient, cost-effective, and safer drying process.

Implementation Method 1

The installation is characterized in that it comprises a chamber in which the pasty material is heated, and means for conditioning the dried pasty material coming from the chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vapor compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a thermal installation with a sealed chamber using mechanical vapor compression (MVC) and a unique steam circuit design that includes a compressor to efficiently reuse vapor heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

combined with a flexible vertical pipe for material handling and vibration to ensure tightness and efficient drying

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3118550B1Thermal installation for drying pasty material
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 GROUPE H LABBE
  • EP3118550B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3118550B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3118550B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a thermal installation (1) for drying pasty material, comprising a chamber (2) in which said pasty material is heated, and conditioning means (8) for the dried pasty material from the chamber (2), the installation (1) being characterized in that said conditioning means (8) comprise an extrusion cylinder (82) with a substantially vertical axis and oriented downwards, a feeding screw (81) supplying the extrusion cylinder (82), and a feeding chamber (83) extending from the end of the extrusion cylinder (82).